In our parish communities — St. Mary’s, St. John Bosco, and St. Edward’s — the Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing, strength, and hope.
It is given to those who are seriously ill, facing surgery, weakened by age, or experiencing a significant decline in health.
The Anointing of the Sick is not only for the dying.
It is a sacrament for the living, offered so that Christ may bring comfort, peace, forgiveness, and strength in times of illness.
What the Anointing of the Sick Is
A sacrament of Christ’s healing presence
In the Anointing of the Sick, the Church prays that Christ will:
- give strength and peace
- unite the person’s suffering to His own
- forgive sins (when Confession is not possible)
- bring healing of soul, and sometimes of body
- prepare the person for whatever lies ahead
This sacrament places the sick person into the care of Christ Himself.
Not “last rites”
Anointing of the Sick should be received before a person is close to death, whenever serious illness or frailty is present.
It may be received:
- at the onset of serious illness
- before major surgery
- when health worsens significantly
- by the elderly who are becoming weaker
The sacrament may be received more than once if the condition worsens or a new serious illness arises.
What Are You Asking For?
When a Catholic asks for the Anointing of the Sick, they are not simply asking for a blessing, nor does it necessarily mean that death is imminent.
They are asking for Christ’s sacramental grace in serious illness, frailty or the danger associated with sickness or old age.
Through the Anointing of the Sick, Christ gives the grace of the Holy Spirit to strengthen the sick person.
The sacrament can bring:
- strength, peace and courage
- grace to endure the difficulties of serious illness
- a deeper union with the Passion of Christ
- forgiveness of sins when this is needed and sacramental Confession is not possible
- preparation for the final journey when death is approaching
- and, if God wills it, restoration of bodily health
The sacrament should therefore not normally be left until the final moments of life.
In asking for Anointing, you are asking Christ to strengthen, heal and sustain you in serious illness and to help you entrust yourself more completely to him.
Who May Receive the Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick may be received by:
- baptised Catholics who are seriously ill
- those weakened by old age
- those facing major medical procedures
- those suffering from a serious physical or mental illness
If you are unsure whether the sacrament is appropriate, please ask.
It is better to receive the sacrament too early than too late.
If You Are Going Into Hospital
If you are admitted to hospital, please let the hospital chaplaincy know that you are a Catholic.
Hospitals do not automatically inform the parish or a priest.
When you tell ward staff or the chaplaincy that you are Catholic:
- the Catholic chaplain will be informed
- a priest can be contacted if needed
- arrangements can be made for Anointing of the Sick, Confession, or Holy Communion
This is especially important before major surgery or if your condition changes.
If you or your family are unsure how to contact the chaplaincy, ward staff can help, or you may ask them to contact the Catholic chaplain directly.
If possible, it is also helpful to let the parish know, so that prayer and support can be offered.
It is always better to ask sooner rather than later.
How the Sacrament Is Celebrated
The Anointing of the Sick is normally celebrated:
- privately, at home or in hospital
- in a care home
- occasionally within a parish Mass
The priest anoints the person with blessed oil and prays for healing and strength.
Where possible, the Anointing is often accompanied by:
- the Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Holy Communion
Together, these sacraments bring great spiritual comfort.
In Serious or Urgent Situations
If someone is seriously ill, deteriorating rapidly, or near death, please contact the parish as soon as possible.
Do not wait until the last moment.
Early contact allows time for prayer, the sacraments, and peaceful preparation.
Would You Like the Anointing of the Sick?
If you are:
- ill and would like to receive the Anointing of the Sick
- caring for someone who may benefit from the sacrament
- unsure whether now is the right time
You are very welcome to make contact.
The sacrament is offered freely and pastorally.
Where: St Mary’s, St John Bosco, or St Edward’s
Contact: Fr John — john.owens@dioceseofnottingham.uk
“Is anyone among you sick?
Let him call for the priests of the Church,
and let them pray over him.”
(James 5:14)
That is the heart of the Anointing of the Sick.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 